LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The Arkansas House approved a budget proposal Tuesday that would keep salaries flat for the state's elected officials.

Lawmakers voted 94-0 to pass a measure that would not change the salaries of officials in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government in the coming fiscal year.

Rep. Duncan Baird, the co-chairman of the Joint Budget Committee, said lawmakers wanted to keep the elected officials' salaries flat so they could have a broader discussion about the state's budget and the proposed increase for state employees.

"We just have to look at it in broader terms and decide where we want to go and where we are in current times," said Baird, R-Lowell.

House Speaker Davy Carter said that lawmakers would be debating cost-of-living adjustments later in the session as part of a comprehensive look at the budget.

"We don't need to be cherry-picking who gets it and who doesn't," said Carter, R-Cabot. "I think we'll have that debate all together."

Prosecutors and judges would also see their salaries remain the same under the bill. Last week, the Joint Budget Committee decided against providing prosecutors and judges with a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment, known as a COLA, but legislative leaders have indicated they may revisit that later.

Carter said it was too early to say what chance public employees have of seeing a raise next year.

Sen. Larry Teague, D-Nashville, co-chairman of the Joint Budget Committee, said he expects state employees will receive some sort of raise this year.

"I think it'll all work out," he said. "I don't know they'll get 2 percent, but I believe they'll get a COLA and I'm in favor of that."

Teague said he believed lawmakers would vote later this session to give judges and prosecutors a raise if state employees get a cost-of-living adjustment, but said he didn't think legislators or constitutional officers will receive a pay increase.

"If we weren't in the pot, maybe, but I just don't believe there's an appetite for it among the membership," Teague said.

Under the bill approved Tuesday, the salaries of legislators, who work part time, would remain at $15,869 and the salaries for the Senate President and House Speaker would stay at $17,771. Lawmakers can receive additional money through a per diem and reimbursement for mileage.

The state constitution sets lawmakers' salaries, but allows the Legislature to make cost-of-living increases.

Pay for the state's constitutional officers - which includes the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, land commissioner and auditor - has remained flat since 2009.